Sunday, March 6, 2011

Book Review: Sleepless

I have been a big fan of Cyn Balog since her first novel. It took me awhile to get around to this one, but I am glad I finally sat down and read it. Sleepless takes a spin on the paranormal that I have honestly never read before - the life and trials of Sandmen. We've all heard of these mythical beings who help us get to sleep each evening, but I can't think of any other novels that brings their stories to life. I loved that this book was something unique. I also really enjoyed Cyn's writing style and the alternating narrators.

Sleepless tells the story of Julia, a teen girl who has just lost her boyfriend, Griffin, to a terrible car accident, but when she can't shake the hunch that Griffin is still lingering around she has to figure out how to handle what she knows is crazy. On top of everything else she finds herself attracted to the handsome Eron, whom she swears she has met somewhere before. As the story progress, Julia learns just how well she knows Eron. Will he become a replacement for Griffin?

Even though I enjoyed the book there was one major thing that bugged me. There is so much build up throughout the book between Julia, Eron, and Griffin. The ending ties everything up nice and neat, which didn't sit well with me because it didn't seem to mesh with the rest of the novel. I just don't think the solution should have come as easily.

I will say that this novel is predictable and not one that will go down as one of the best I have read this year, but it served me well. I needed something light and fluffy after a string of depressing and disturbing reads. Sleepless was just the right amount of fluff and romance that I was seeking. However, since I knew the book would deliver on this front - I wasn't disappointed.

One Last Gripe: I never truly believed in Julia and Griffin's relationship. It didn't seem like it was that big of a deal, but then Griffin acted like Julia was the love of his life or something.

My Favorite Thing About This Book: The Sandman concept

First Sentence: Griffin Colburn knew something was wrong the moment he slid into the driver's seat.

Eron DeMarchelle isn't supposed to feel this connection. He is a Sandman, a supernatural being whose purpose is to seduce his human charges to sleep. Though he can communicate with his charges in their dreams, he isn't encouraged to do so. After all, becoming too involved in one human's life could prevent him from helping others get their needed rest.

But he can't deny that he feels something for Julia, a lonely girl with fiery red hair and sad dreams. Just weeks ago, her boyfriend died in a car accident, and Eron can tell that she feels more alone than ever. Eron was human once too, many years ago, and he remembers how it felt to lose the one he loved. In the past, Eron has broken rules to protect Julia, but now, when she seems to need him more than ever, he can't reach her. Eron's time as a Sandman is coming to a close, and his replacement doesn't seem to care about his charges. Worse, Julia is facing dangers she doesn't recognize, and Eron, as he transitions back to being human, may be the only one who can save her. . . .

Even once they've become human again, Sandmen are forbidden to communicate with their charges. But Eron knows he won't be able to forget Julia. Will he risk everything for a chance to be with the girl he loves?